Whooping Cough Sounds Scarry Because It Is
Adults and adolescents can spread whooping cough to babies
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Who should receive the vaccine?
As of January 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following booster schedule:

Adolescents and adults younger than age 65 who have not received a dose of Tdap should be immunized as soon as feasible.

Adults age 65 and older who have not previously received a dose of Tdap and who anticipate having close contact with children younger than age 12 months should receive a one-time dose (instead of traditional tetanus vaccine) to protect infants.

Also, children ages 7-10 years who did not compete a series of pertussis-containing vaccine before their 7th birthday.

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis Immunizations
VNA of Southeast Michigan offers on-site immunization clinics for your school, business or community organization. To schedule a clinic:

Tetanus (Lockjaw) is caused by a bacterium that enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds. This condition causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw preventing an individual from opening his or her mouth or swallowing. In 20 percent of diagnosed cases, tetanus is fatal.

Diphtheria is caused by a bacterium that enters the body through person to person contact. This condition causes a thick covering in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is caused by a bacterium that enters the body through person to person contact. This condition causes severe coughing spells, vomiting and disturbed sleep. It can lead to weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures and loss of consciousness, and pneumonia. Since 2001, pertussis cases have been increasing at an alarming rate in the United States. Estimates show the number of diagnosed cases have increased more than 300 percent over the past few years.